FORT MYERS, Fla. ( August 4, 2016)
Shell Point Retirement Community and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) are partnering to present a month-long exhibition titled Ageless Creativity: The Artists of Shell Point, which will open concurrently with the annual Art Fest Fort Myers on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers.
Sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, the show will feature 188 jury-selected artworks, many of which will be available for sale. All work has been produced during the retirement years of the 49 Shell Point resident artists, who range in age from the late 60s to mid-90s. Represented media include acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastels, pencil, charcoal, clay, fabric, stone, metal, shells, wood, mixed media, and photography.
“The goal of the exhibition is to demonstrate that creativity is neither limited nor defined by age,” said Marge Lee, Shell Point resident and professional exhibition interpretive planner who conceived the event. “Genius can often find new expression with age, when one is free to explore art without restriction. Here at Shell Point, many residents are developing their creative instincts and honing their artistic abilities,” says Lee, who adds that exhibition-goers will be amazed by the variety and quality of work on display.
Resident artwork for the exhibition was carefully selected by a panel of four independent jurors, who judged submissions according to artistic merit, creativity, and overall excellence. “The resulting show will be filled with vibrant, dynamic pieces that reflect artistic expression and quality of execution,” said Jim Griffith, founder and executive director of SBDAC. “Shell Point offers robust amenities to nurture and enrich its residents’ creative interests, and SBDAC is proud to provide premium gallery space to showcase the rich visuals that will be unveiled.” Cash prizes for Ageless Creativity artists are made possible thanks to financial support from The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point. Additional funding for the exhibition is being provided by The Sharp Family Foundation, courtesy of Shell Point residents Phyllis and Bart Sharp.
The Ageless Creativity exhibition will be open for viewing in SBDAC beginning on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, and concluding on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, during Art Talk Tuesday. General admission to the exhibition is free, including opening night, but donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, including a list of participating Shell Point artists, visit www.shellpoint.org/agelesscreativity.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Fort Myers, Florida. A nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry, Shell Point is the fourth largest single-site CCRC in the country with 2,400 residents and more than 1,000 employees. Located just two miles before the Sanibel Island causeway, Shell Point provides independent retirement living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care in an active, resort-style environment designed to enhance the independence of its residents. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, open-to-the-public dining venues, an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse, and numerous recreational and educational programs. To learn more about Shell Point, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
About Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as Florida Arts, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center provides programming to southwest Florida which includes concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, dance, independent film, and cotillion. The Art Center regularly recruits award-winning artists who have performed worldwide at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Its mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs.
